U.S. patent application number 13/890077 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-13 for location-based, radio-device identification apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is J. Carl Cooper. Invention is credited to J. Carl Cooper.
Application Number | 20140335797 13/890077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51865121 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140335797 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cooper; J. Carl |
November 13, 2014 |
Location-Based, Radio-Device Identification Apparatus and
Method
Abstract
An apparatus and method is disclosed to receive location data
identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database, storing
radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in
the database identifies a radio device (e.g., a transmitter,
receiver, transceiver, transponders, etc.) and a location of the
radio device using a suitable coordinate system. Radio device
records associated with radio devices likely to be within
communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the
database. These radio device records may be used to generate a
radio device list that may be presented to an occupant of the
vehicle.
Inventors: |
Cooper; J. Carl; (Los Gatos,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cooper; J. Carl |
Los Gatos |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51865121 |
Appl. No.: |
13/890077 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/67.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 8/005 20130101;
H04B 1/082 20130101; H04H 60/25 20130101; H04H 60/43 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/67.13 |
International
Class: |
H04W 24/08 20060101
H04W024/08 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving location data identifying the
current location of a vehicle; querying a database storing a
plurality of radio device records, each radio device record
identifying a radio device and a location of the radio device;
retrieving, from the database, selected radio device records from
the plurality of radio device records associated with radio devices
likely to be within communication range of the vehicle; generating
a radio device list from the selected radio device records; and
presenting the radio device list to an occupant of the vehicle.
2. The method of claim 1, the database further storing a plurality
of obstruction records, each obstruction record identifying an
obstruction with the potential to affect communication between the
vehicle and a radio device.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising retrieving, from the
database, obstruction records associated with obstructions within
the communication range of the vehicle.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein generating a radio device list
comprises indicating, in the radio device list, radio devices that
are affected by at least one of the obstructions.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein generating a radio device list
comprises omitting, from the radio device list, radio devices
affected by at least one of the obstructions.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein each radio device communicates
over a communication frequency.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising scanning the
communication frequencies of radio devices associated with the
selected radio device records.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein generating a radio device list
comprises excluding, from the radio device list, radio devices that
are not detected during scanning.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein generating a radio device list
comprises indicating, in the radio device list, radio devices that
are detected during scanning.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the radio devices are selected
from the group consisting of transmitters, receivers, transceivers,
and transponders.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling the occupant
to select, and thereby communicate with, a radio device in the
radio device list.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising notifying the
occupant, through at least one of an audio and visual indicator,
that the occupant is attempting to communicate with a radio device
that is at least one of out of communication range with the
vehicle, not detected during scanning, and affected by an
obstruction.
13. An apparatus comprising: a location device to identify the
current location of a vehicle; a database storing a plurality of
radio device records, each radio device record identifying a radio
device and a location of the radio device; a control module to
receive the current location from the location device and retrieve,
from the database, selected radio device records from the plurality
of radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be
within communication range of the vehicle; a list generation module
configured to generate a radio device list from the selected radio
device records; and a presentation device to present the radio
device list to an occupant of the vehicle.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, the database further storing a
plurality of obstruction records, each obstruction record
identifying an obstruction with the potential to affect
communication between the vehicle and a radio device.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, the control module further
configured to retrieve, from the database, obstruction records
associated with obstructions within the communication range of the
vehicle.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the list generation module
is further configured to indicate, in the radio device list, radio
devices that are affected by at least one of the obstructions.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the list generation module
is further configured to omit, from the radio device list, radio
devices that are affected by at least one of the obstructions.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each radio device
communicates over a communication frequency.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a scanner to scan
the communication frequencies of radio devices associated with the
selected radio device records.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the list generation module
is further configured to exclude, from the radio device list, radio
devices that are not detected by the scanner.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the list generation module
is further configured to indicate, in the radio device list, radio
devices that are detected by the scanner.
22. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the radio devices are
selected from the group consisting of transmitters, receivers,
transceivers, and transponders.
23. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a selection
module to enable an occupant to select, and thereby communicate
with, a radio device in the radio device list.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a notification
module to notify the occupant, through at least one of an audio and
visual indicator, that the occupant is attempting to communicate
with a radio device that is at least one of out of communication
range with the vehicle, not detected during scanning, and affected
by an obstruction.
25. An apparatus comprising: a location device to identify the
current location of a vehicle; a database storing a plurality of
radio device records, each radio device record identifying a radio
device, a location of the radio device, and a communication
frequency associated with the radio device; a control module to
receive the current location from the location device and retrieve,
from the database, selected radio device records from the plurality
of radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be
within communication range of the vehicle; a scanner to scan the
communication frequencies of radio devices associated with the
selected records; a list generation module configured to generate a
radio device list from the selected radio device records that are
detected by the scanner; and a presentation device to present the
radio device list to an occupant of the vehicle.
26. A method comprising: receiving location data identifying the
current location of a vehicle; querying a database storing a
plurality of radio device records, each radio device record
identifying a radio device, a location of the radio device, and a
communication frequency associated with the radio device;
retrieving, from the database, selected radio device records from
the plurality of radio device records associated with radio devices
likely to be within communication range of the vehicle; scanning
the communication frequencies of radio devices associated with the
selected radio device records; generating a radio device list from
the selected radio device records detected during scanning; and
presenting the radio device list to an occupant of the vehicle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates to radio frequency communications and
more particularly to apparatus and methods for identifying and
communicating with radio frequency devices based on location.
[0002] Safe aircraft operation depends in large part on the ability
to successfully communicate with different radio devices on or
above the earth's surface. In general, radio devices may include
devices such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers,
transponders, or the like that may be used for navigation,
communication, or other purposes. A radio device may be designed to
transmit and receive signals over one or more selected
communication frequencies. As such, transmitters and receivers must
normally be located within a certain distance of one another to
communicate effectively. This distance may depend on the
transmitting frequency, transmitting power, antenna type and
orientation, receiving sensitivity, and relative elevations of
transmitter and receiver, among other factors.
[0003] For example, VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) is one type of
radio navigation system used by aircraft. An aircraft operating at
a given altitude may be able to detect a signal from a VOR
transmitter, also located at some altitude, within some radius of
the VOR transmitter. This radius may increase as the aircraft's
altitude above the VOR transmitter increases. For example, an
aircraft radio operating at 5000 feet above a VOR transmitter may
be able to detect the VOR signal within a radius of about 30 miles.
If the altitude of the aircraft radio is increased to 10,000 feet,
this radius may increase to about 50 miles.
[0004] Similarly, communication equipment such as air traffic
control, approach control, tower and ground voice communication
equipment may be operable some distance from an airport facility
and may depend on an aircraft's elevation relative to the facility.
The range may be affected by mountains or other obstructions, which
may interfere with higher frequency communications, and by factors
such as transmitter power, which may vary depending on the time of
time of the day (e.g., the transmitting power may be reduced at
night).
[0005] Often, a pilot or radio operator will attempt to communicate
with a radio device but will be unsuccessful because the device is
out of range. This may cause the pilot to spend valuable time
assessing the situation. For example, the pilot may spend time
verifying that the correct radio frequency is selected on the
aircraft radio, checking the aircraft position (including altitude)
relative to the radio device, or checking for obstacles such as
mountains that may be interfering with communication. In some
cases, a pilot may attempt to communicate over an incorrect
frequency. This may consume valuable pilot time and interfere with
other pilots trying to utilize the same frequency. This may also
create safety risks or cause substantial embarrassment to the
pilot. It is not uncommon to hear attempts to communicate over
incorrect frequencies, especially in areas of uncontrolled
airports.
[0006] Currently, various navigation computers allow an operator to
program a flight plan or flight route into the navigation computer.
These navigation computers are typically coupled to a GPS receiver
or other position-locating device. If the pilot desires, the
navigation computer may be programmed to automatically select
navigation aids as waypoints are passed while flying. For example,
the navigation computer may be programmed to switch from a GPS
receiver to an Instrument Landing System (ILS) receiver when an
aircraft reaches an ILS path. This operation, however, typically
requires the pilot to program the flight route into the navigation
computer.
[0007] Current GPS receivers may also be configured to display the
current location of an aircraft or other vehicle moving across a
map. In aviation applications, these maps may be configured to
display navigation or voice communication frequencies associated
with various waypoints that are programmed into the GPS as part of
a flight route. For example, a GPS receiver may be configured to
display communication frequencies associated with a destination
airport when the airport appears on the map or when the aircraft
approaches the airport. Like the navigation computers previously
described, these functions typically require that the pilot program
the GPS receiver.
[0008] GPS receivers utilized with aviation applications often have
a nearest airport function where a pilot can quickly locate the
nearest airport, along with that airport's important radio
frequencies. This information is typically stored in a database in
the GPS. This function is quite useful in emergencies or in
situations where the aircraft's passengers need a bathroom break.
Unfortunately, while the airport radio frequencies are made
available to the pilot, communications with the airport may not be
possible because of distance, obstructions, and/or altitudes of the
aircraft and airport.
[0009] Automobile radios often include favorite station memories
which may be programmed by an operator such that a particular
favorite station may be selected by simply pushing a button. These
radios often include several sets of such memories, allowing an
operation to select a set and thereby select the stations
associated with that set. Drivers who commute to different cities
often program these sets to include favorite stations associated
with each city.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, what is needed is an apparatus and
method to automatically present a list of radio devices within
range, or substantially within range, of a vehicle, without
requiring substantial programming by an operator. Ideally, such an
apparatus and method would save time and reduce the chance that an
operator would attempt to communicate over an incorrect frequency.
Further needed are apparatus and methods to effectively present a
list of such radio devices to an operator. As will be seen, the
invention provides such solutions in an elegant manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
examples illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical examples of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a high-level map showing an aircraft and several
airports having radio devices associated therewith;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of one example of an
apparatus in accordance with the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagram showing one
contemplated example of records that may be stored in a database in
accordance with the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a display for presenting a
list of radio devices to an occupant of a vehicle;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a display for
presenting a list of radio devices to an occupant of a vehicle;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another example of a display for
presenting a list of radio devices to an occupant of a vehicle;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a method for generating
and maintaining a radio device list in accordance with the
invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a method for
generating and maintaining a radio device list in accordance with
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The invention has been developed in response to the present
state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems
and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by
currently available apparatus and methods. Accordingly, the
invention has been developed to provide a novel apparatus and
method for presenting a list of radio devices to an occupant of a
vehicle. The features and advantages of the invention will become
more fully apparent from the following description and appended
claims and their equivalents, and also any subsequent claims or
amendments presented, or may be learned by practice of the
invention as set forth hereinafter.
[0021] Consistent with the foregoing, a method is disclosed in a
first aspect of the invention as including receiving location data
identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database, storing
radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in
the database identifies a radio device (e.g., a transmitter,
receiver, transceiver, transponders, etc.) and a location of the
radio device using a suitable coordinate system. Radio device
records associated with radio devices likely to be within
communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the
database. These radio device records may be used to generate a
radio device list that may be presented to an occupant of the
vehicle.
[0022] In selected examples, the database is further configured to
store obstruction records. Each obstruction record may identify an
obstruction, such as a mountain, plateau, tower, building, or the
like, that may adversely affect communication between the vehicle
and a radio device. The obstruction records, like the radio device
records, may be retrieved from the database. In selected examples,
the radio device list may identify radio devices that may be
affected by one or more obstructions. In other examples, the radio
device list may omit radio devices affected by one or more
obstructions.
[0023] In certain examples, communication frequencies associated
with the radio device records retrieved from the database may be
scanned. In certain examples, the radio device list may exclude
radio devices that are not detected during scanning. In other
examples, the radio device list may identify which radio devices
are detected (or not detected) during scanning. In yet other
embodiments, radio device records in the database may be updated or
supplemented in response to the scanning results and vehicle
position, thereby allowing available radio devices at a given
location to be "remembered."
[0024] In another example of the invention, an apparatus in
accordance with the invention includes a location device to
identify the current location of a vehicle, and a database to store
radio device records. Each radio device record identifies a radio
device and a location of the radio device. A control module is
configured to receive the current location from the location device
and retrieve, from the database, records of radio devices likely to
be within communication range of the vehicle. A list generation
module may then generate a radio device list from the radio device
records retrieved from the database. A presentation device may
present the radio device list to an occupant of the vehicle.
[0025] In yet another example of the invention, a method in
accordance with the invention includes receiving location data
identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database storing
radio device records is then queried. Each radio device record
identifies a radio device, a location of the radio device, and a
communication frequency associated with the radio device. Radio
device records associated with radio devices likely to be within
communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the
database. The communication frequencies of these radio devices may
then be scanned. Once scanned, a radio device list may be generated
listing those radio devices that were detected during scanning.
This radio device list may then be presented to an occupant of the
vehicle.
[0026] In still another example of the invention, an apparatus in
accordance with the invention includes a location device to
identify the current location of a vehicle, and a database to store
radio device records. Each radio device record identifies a radio
device, a location of the radio device, and a communication
frequency associated with the radio device. A control module is
configured to receive the current location from the location device
and retrieve, from the database, records of radio devices likely to
be within communication range of the vehicle. A scanner (used
herein to mean radio device detection) then scans the communication
frequencies of these radio devices. A list generation module
generates a radio device list of radio devices detected by the
scanner. A presentation device may then present the radio device
list to an occupant of the vehicle.
[0027] It will be readily understood that the components of the
invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures
herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of
the examples of the system, apparatus and methods of the invention,
as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope
of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of
selected examples of systems, devices and methods that embody or
otherwise incorporate the invention.
[0028] Some of the functional units described in this specification
have been labeled as modules, in order to emphasize their
implementation independence. For example, a module may be
implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits
or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips,
transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be
implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field
programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable
logic devices or the like.
[0029] Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by
various types of processors. An identified module of executable
code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical
blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be
organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the
executables of an identified module need not be physically located
together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in
different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise
the module and achieve the stated purpose of the module.
[0030] Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single
instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over
several different code segments, among different programs, and
across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be
identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be
embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable
type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a
single data set, or may be distributed over different locations
including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least
partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
[0031] Reference throughout this specification to "one example,"
"an example," or similar language means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
example may be included in at least one example of the invention.
Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one example" or "in an
example" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same example.
[0032] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more examples. In the following description, specific details may
be provided, such as examples of programming, software modules,
user selections, or the like, to provide a thorough understanding
of examples of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will
recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one
or more of the specific details, or with other methods or
components. In other instances, well-known structures, or
operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the invention.
[0033] The illustrated examples of the invention will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals throughout. The following description
is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain
selected examples of apparatus and methods that are consistent with
the invention as claimed herein.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a simple map 100 is shown to provide a
basic understanding of the invention. As shown, the map 100
includes an aircraft 102, several airports 104a-f, and a ground
station 106, in this example a VOR ground station 106. Each airport
104a-f or ground station 106 may have associated therewith one or
more radio devices, such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers,
transponders, or the like. These radio devices, for example, may
include devices for broadcasting weather information, providing
voice communication channels, broadcasting safety information,
broadcasting location information, broadcasting information
regarding possible hazards along a flight path, or the like. More
generally, a radio device, as used herein, may include any type of
device configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic energy, as
opposed to just audio communications types of radios. The map 100
also shows various obstructions 108. In this example, the
obstructions 108 are mountains 108 but may also include
obstructions such as buildings, plateaus, towers, power lines, or
other objects that may affect communication between an aircraft 102
and radio devices.
[0035] In general, the aircraft 102 may be simplistically
characterized as having a communication range having a radius 110.
Radio devices falling within this communication range may reside
within a circle 112 defined by the radius 110. In certain examples,
the range 110 may be calculated based on the altitude of the
aircraft 102 as well as other criteria. For example, an aircraft
102 flying at low altitudes may be determined to have a range 110
on the order of tens of miles whereas an aircraft flying at high
altitudes may have a range 110 on the order of hundreds of
miles.
[0036] The determined range 110 does not need to be highly accurate
for all radio devices falling within the radius 110, but may
represent an approximation or an average value. Thus, the aircraft
102 may actually be able to communicate with some devices outside
the radius 110 and not be able to communicate with some devices
inside the radius 110. Accordingly, the range 110 may be calculated
using averages, groupings, approximations, or the like, which may
or may not be highly accurate for all radio devices falling inside
or outside the radius 110. In other embodiments, the communication
range may be determined separately for each device.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, in selected examples, an apparatus 200
in accordance with the invention may include various components.
The apparatus 200 may include all of the illustrated components, or
fewer or additional components as needed. In certain examples, an
apparatus 200 in accordance with the invention may include a
location device 202, a control module 204, a database 206, and a
presentation device 208. The apparatus 200 may also, in certain
examples, include a scanner 210 and a communication device 212.
[0038] The components described in FIG. 2 may be grouped together
in any suitable manner to provide the function and stated purpose
of the invention. For example, each of the components 204, 206,
208, 210, 212 may be included in a radio transceiver 214 whereas
the location device 202 may be embodied as a separate device. In
other examples, the components may be combined or grouped together
such that they are integrated or distributed across different
pieces of equipment. All combinations or groupings which achieve
the stated purpose and functionally of the invention are intended
to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, in selected
examples, several components may be combined into a single
component or individual components may be broken down into several
components. In other examples, the functionality of the components
may be isolated or overlap with other components. Each of the
components may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or
combinations thereof.
[0039] In certain examples, a location device 202 may be used to
detect the current location of a vehicle and may include, for
example, a GPS receiver, or a LORAN, VOR, ADF, VORTAC, RADAR, or
ILS navigation system. The location device 202 may also, in certain
examples, include inertial (including MEMS and laser gyroscope)
based position-determining devices, or use technologies such as
Decca, Omega, celestial observation, compasses, or the like.
[0040] A control module 204 may receive the current location
information from the location device 202 and retrieve, from a
database 206, records associated with radio devices that are within
the communication range of the vehicle. In certain examples, the
control module 204 may also retrieve records associated with one or
more obstructions, such as mountains, buildings, or the like, that
may affect communication between the vehicle 102 and radio devices.
Using the radio device and obstruction information retrieved from
the database 206, a list generation module 222 may then generate a
list of radio devices that are likely to be within the
communication range of the vehicle 102. In selected examples, this
radio device list may be output to a presentation device 208 such
as a display device 216 or audio device 218 for presentation to an
occupant of the vehicle 102.
[0041] In certain examples, the apparatus 200 may also include a
scanner 210 to scan the communication frequencies of radio devices
in the radio device list. Radio devices that are not detected by
the scanner 210 may then be deleted from or identified in the radio
device list to show that communication with these radio devices is
unlikely to be successful. Thus, the scanner 210 may be used to
verify that radio devices in the list are actually within
communication range of the vehicle 102 and are not inoperative or
blocked by an obstruction. Thus, the scanner 210 may be used to
weed out radio devices that are within the radius 110 but are
nevertheless unable to communicate with the vehicle 102.
[0042] In certain examples, the control module 204 may also
interface with a communication device 212. This may allow an
operator (e.g., human, machine, etc.) to select, and thereby
communicate with, a radio device in the radio device list. For
example, if the radio device list identifies a voice communication
channel that is within the communication range of the vehicle 102,
a selection module 224 may allow the operator to select the radio
device from the list and thereby establish communication with the
radio device over the appropriate communication frequency. The
communication device 212 may communicate with the radio device by
way of an antenna 220.
[0043] In selected examples, a notification module 226 may be
provided to notify an operator, through an audio or visual
indicator, that the occupant is attempting to communicate with a
radio device that is out of the communication range of the vehicle
102, not detected by the scanner 210, or affected by an
obstruction.
[0044] In other examples, the control module 204 may preclude a
user from selecting radio devices that are not in the list, or at
least notify the operator that he or she is attempting to
communicate with a radio device that is not in the list because it
is out of range, affected by obstructions, or is not accessible due
to the altitude of the aircraft 102. Such a feature may save
valuable pilot time and reduce operator errors caused by
transposing numbers, misunderstanding frequency assignments,
misreading charts, or the like. This feature may also reduce the
chance that a pilot will unintentionally attempt to communicate
over legitimate frequencies that may be reserved for emergency or
distress signals. This feature may also be used to ensure that
selected communication frequencies are only utilized in certain
areas. For example, in closely located municipalities, this feature
may be used to ensure that an emergency vehicle is communicating
with the municipality it is located in or traveling toward.
[0045] In yet other examples, the notification module 226 may be
configured to notify a pilot that selecting a radio device is
inappropriate in view of the aircraft's position. Such situations
may occur if a pilot attempts to select ground control while in the
air, select departure control while approaching or on the ground,
select approach control while departing or on the ground, or select
a particular sector approach or departure control from the wrong
sector. In some cases, the appropriateness of the radio device may
depend on whether the aircraft is airborne or not, which may be
determined by checking the aircraft's altitude and location against
a database of terrain elevations. Similarly, the appropriateness of
a sector frequency may be determined by including sector
information in the database 206 along with approach and departure
frequencies.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, as mentioned, the control module 204
may retrieve radio device and obstruction records from a database
206. In certain examples, the database 206 may store data in one or
more tables 300, although other methods for storing and structuring
radio device and obstruction data may be used and is within the
scope of the invention. In certain examples, records in the
database 206 may be automatically or manually updated as necessary,
such as the way GPS-based flight displays are presently updated by
scanning available radio devices at particular locations or
otherwise. As shown, the tables 300 may, in certain examples,
include a radio device table 302 and an obstruction table 304.
[0047] The radio device table 302 may store radio device records
306 associated with radio devices. In selected examples, these
records 306 may store various data fields to provide information
about a radio device. For example, the data fields may include an
identifier 308 uniquely identifying a radio device, an airport
identifier 310 identifying an airport or ground station associated
with a radio device, an airport name 312, a type 314 associated
with the radio device, a communication frequency 316 used by the
radio device, a location 318 (e.g., GPS coordinates) of the radio
device, and a range 320 associated with the radio device, as well
as other desired information 322. The records 306 may contain all
of the fields, or may contain more or fewer fields than those
listed.
[0048] In selected examples, instead of providing the range 320 as
a fixed value, the range 320 may be calculated from other fields or
criteria. For, example the range may be calculated by taking into
account the radio device's transmitting power, communication
frequency, variations in the radio device's transmitting power as a
function of the time of day or day of week, the antenna type and
orientation, relative elevations of transmitter and receiver,
weather conditions, or the presence of sun spots. Some of this
information may be stored in fields of the records 306 and may
allow the range to be calculated dynamically instead of being
provided as a fixed value 320.
[0049] Similarly, an obstruction table 304 may store obstruction
records 324 associated with obstructions that can potentially
affect communication between a vehicle 102 and a radio device. Such
obstructions may include, for example, mountains, plateaus, towers,
buildings, power lines, or the like. In selected examples, the
obstruction records 324 may store data fields such as an identifier
326 uniquely identifying an obstruction, a name 328 associated with
the obstruction, a type 330 associated with the obstruction, a
location 332 of the obstruction, and a height 334 or other
dimensions associated with the obstruction, as well as other
information 336. As with the radio device records 306, the
obstruction records 324 may contain more or fewer fields than those
listed. In certain embodiments, obstructions may also be recognized
by scanning where an intermittent loss of contact vs. location of
the aircraft is observed. In such instances, the computed location
of the obstruction and/or the location of the aircraft when contact
was lost may be stored in the database 206.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, while continuing to refer generally to
FIG. 1, in selected examples, a list of radio devices within the
communication range of a vehicle 102 may be presented to an
operator on a display device 216, such as an LCD, plasma, or CRT
display. The list may be presented alphanumerically by itself or
may be superimposed over a flight-related display such as a moving
map. Furthermore, the display device 216 may be integrated into a
radio, navigation computer, or other device, as needed, or may be a
stand-alone device.
[0051] When the aircraft 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 comes within
communication range of certain airports 104a-f, ground stations
106, or the like, the control module 204 may retrieve the
appropriate radio device records 306 from the database 206 and
present a list to the pilot. For example, a list similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 4 may be displayed on the pilot's radio or
navigation computer.
[0052] In this example, BLU, GOO, O02, O79, TRK and RNO are codes
or identifiers associated with the Blue Canyon Nyack, Nevada
County, Nervino, Sierraville Dearwater, Truckee, and Reno airports,
respectively. ASOS and AWOS identify automated weather broadcasts
located at the airports that are listed. UNICOM identifies voice
communication channels at the airports that are listed. FSS
identifies a flight service station, a manned Federal Aviation
Administration service to aid pilots in safe flying and navigation.
These stations often receive communication signals on one frequency
and transmit on another. VOR identifies a VHF Omnidirectional Radio
Range navigation aid and SWR identifies the Squaw Valley VOR. The
numeric entries (e.g., 120.075) identify communication frequencies
for each of the respective radio devices in MHz. In this example, a
"Mn" following the communication frequency indicates possible
obstruction by mountains. A "Rg" following the communication
frequency indicates that a radio device is at or near the outer
limit of the aircraft's communication range.
[0053] Thus the entries on the display 400 would have the following
meanings to the pilot:
TABLE-US-00001 BLU ASOS 120.075 Blue Canyon Nyack airport automated
weather report at 120.075 MHz BLU UNICOM 122.9 Blue Canyon Nyack
airport voice communication at 122.9 MHz GOO AWOS 121.325 Rg Nevada
County airport automated weather report at 121.325 MHz and near the
limit of the range GOO UNICOM 122.725 Rg Nevada County airport
voice communication at 122.725 MHz and near the limit of the range
O02 UNICOM 122.8 Mn Rg Nervino airport voice communication at 122.8
MHz, near the limit of the range and may be obstructed by mountains
O79 UNICOM 122.9 Sierraville airport voice communication at 122.9
MHz TRK AWOS 118.0 Mn Truckee airport voice communication at 118.0
MHz and may be obstructed by mountains TRK UNICOM 122.8 Mn Truckee
airport voice communications at 122.8 MHz and may be obstructed by
mountains RNO FSS 122.25 via SWR Reno flight service station
receives at frequency 122.25 MHz and transmits over the Squaw
Valley VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range navigation aid SWR VOR 113.2
Squaw Valley VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range navigation aid
transmits at 113.2 MHz
[0054] It should be recognized that the format and type of
information provided in FIG. 4 is presented only by way of example
and is not intended to be limiting. Indeed, different types of
information may be provided and the information may be arranged,
grouped, or formatted in a variety of different ways. For example,
the radio device frequency, although represented in MHz in this
example, could also be represented by a channel number, mnemonic,
or other identifier. In selected examples, the information may be
completely spelled out, abbreviated, or coded. In certain examples,
the type and/or format of the information may be selected to fit a
particular application or the preference of an operator.
[0055] In certain examples, the apparatus 200 may allow a user to
select, and thereby communicate with, one or more radio devices in
the list. Upon selecting a radio device, the radio device may
appear as a highlighted region 402 on the display 400, or be
identified by a cursor, arrow, different color text, or the like.
Similarly, the operator may select a radio device from the list
using a knob, buttons, scrolling device, touch screen, or the like,
the likes of which are well known in the art.
[0056] In other examples, the radio devices may be presented in the
order they will likely be selected. This order may be based on an
aircraft's position, direction, speed, altitude, or the like, and
may facilitate selection of the frequencies in the order they will
be needed. For example, when approaching an airport, the display
400 may present ATIS, approach, tower and ground radio devices in
order, assuming a normal VFR landing.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, in selected examples, a display 500 may
differentiate between radio devices that are most likely within
communication range, from radio devices that may be affected by an
obstruction, are out of range, or are at or near the limit of the
vehicle's communication range. For example, radio devices that may
be obstructed by mountains or are out or near the limit of the
vehicle's communication range may be displayed in a different color
or with different highlighting, or be marked by an identifier such
as a symbol, word, or abbreviation. This may allow a pilot to
quickly differentiate between radio devices that are likely within
range and those that may not be in range. Alternatively, the
display 500 may differentiate between radio devices that may be
technically within range (i.e., falling within a determined radius
110), and radio devices that are actually in range as detected by a
scanner.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, as mentioned, a display 600 may, in
certain examples, provide a more detailed or descriptive list of
radio devices. For example, a full name of an airport or ground
station may be displayed in addition to the radio device
information illustrated in FIG. 4. This may reduce the need to look
up or memorize the airport or ground station codes and may provide
additional readability or be helpful to a novice pilot.
[0059] In selected examples, an audio device may work in
conjunction with the display devices 400, 500, 600 of FIGS. 4
through 6 to present information to an operator of a vehicle 102.
For example, an audible indicator stating "ground control selected"
may be announced over a pilot's headset or an operator's audio
system along with a visual indicator stating "ground control
frequency selected" which may be highlighted on the display.
Alternatively, a simple audible sound such as a beep or buzz may be
utilized. If desired, audible presentations may accompany or be
substituted for other visual presentations of information as
described herein.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, in selected examples, a method 700 in
accordance with the invention may include initially receiving 702 a
vehicle's current location. This location may be expressed in any
suitable coordinate system and may include, for example, GPS
coordinates. Radio device records corresponding to radio devices
that are likely within the communication range of the vehicle 102
may then be retrieved 704 from a database 206. This step 704 may
include returning records of radio devices that are located within
a determined radius 110 of the vehicle 102. In certain examples,
the communication range of the radio devices, as stored in the
radio device records 306 or calculated from data stored in the
radio device records 306, may also be considered. This will ensure
that not only is a radio device within the vehicle's communication
range but also that the vehicle 102 is within the radio device's
communication range. Nevertheless, in selected examples, and for
reasons of simplicity, it may be assumed that a vehicle 102 and a
radio device will be able to communicate with one another if the
radio device is within a selected radius 110 of the vehicle
102.
[0061] Once the radio device records 306 are retrieved from the
database 206, the method 700 may optionally determine 706 if there
are obstructions that may block or affect communication between the
vehicle 102 and the radio devices. This may be performed by
retrieving obstruction records 324 from the database 206. Once the
radio device records are retrieved and the obstructions are
determined, a list of radio devices that are likely to be within
range of the vehicle 102 may be generated 708. This may include
deleting 710 or identifying 710 radio devices in the list that may
be affected by obstructions. This may also include deleting 712
radio devices from the list that were previously in range but are
no longer in range. After waiting 714 a selected period, the
process 700 may be repeated to ensure that the list remains current
and up-to-date. The process 700 may also be repeated upon operator
request or after the vehicle travels a selected distance.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, in another example, a method 800 in
accordance with the invention may include initially receiving 802 a
vehicle's current location and retrieving 804, from the database
206, radio device records associated with radio devices that are
likely to be within the communication range of the vehicle 102.
Once these radio device records have been retrieved 804, the
communication frequencies of the radio devices may be scanned 806
to determine which radio devices are actually in range. The
scanning step 806 may be performed in place of or in addition to
the step 706 of accounting for obstructions, as described in FIG.
7. Once the scanning is performed, a list of radio devices that are
likely to be within range of the vehicle 102 may be generated 808.
This may include omitting 810 or identifying 810 radio devices in
the list that were not detected during the scanning step 806. This
may also include deleting 812 radio devices from the list that were
previously in range but are no longer in range. After waiting 814 a
selected period, the process 800 may be repeated to ensure that the
list remains current and up-to-date. The process 800 may also be
repeated upon operator request or after the vehicle travels a
selected distance.
[0063] It should be understood that apparatus and methods in
accordance with the invention may be practiced with other types of
vehicles, such as automobiles, watercraft, trucks, or heavy
machinery, or with portable radios not attached to a vehicle. For
example, automotive radios may be coupled to a location device 202
and may include a database 206 of radio stations that the radio is
configured to receive. The database 206 may store radio station
records which may include a unique name or identifier, a type
(e.g., AM, FM, TV, Satellite, NOAA weather, public service, etc.),
a format (e.g., police, fire, animal control, country, rock,
classic, talk, shopping, news, etc.), a communication frequency,
transmitting power including variations in transmitting power as a
function of time or day, and location. The database 206 may also
store records associated with potential obstructions. The radio may
then use the current position information and the database records
to provide a list of radio stations that are likely within range of
the automobile.
[0064] For example, the radio may present one set of radio stations
when an automobile is on one side of a mountain range and present a
second set of radio stations when the automobile is on an opposite
side of the mountain range. Similarly, the first and second sets
may be displayed when the automobile is at or near the top of the
mountain range, since both sets of stations may be in range. As
another example, as an automobile travels from one city to another,
the radio may be configured to display stations from an originating
city before reaching a midpoint between the two cities, and display
stations from a destination city after passing the midpoint between
the two cities.
[0065] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described examples are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within
their scope.
[0066] As explained above, embodiments of the system and method
described herein provide a way to present a list of radio devices
to an occupant of a vehicle. Various tasks or modules described
herein may be implemented using a central processing unit (CPU), a
graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, or the like. The
microprocessor may be a specialized or dedicated microprocessor
configured to perform tasks by executing machine-readable software
code that defines the tasks. The microprocessor also may be
configured to operate and communicate with other devices such as
direct memory access modules, memory storage devices,
internet-related hardware, and other devices configured to transmit
data. Software code may be configured using software formats such
as Java, C++, XML (Extensible Mark-up Language), or the like to
define functions required to carry out the functional operations
described herein. The code may be written in different forms and
styles, the likes of which are known to those skilled in the art.
Different code formats, code configurations, styles, and forms of
software programs may be implemented.
[0067] Where a computer is used to implement the present invention,
different types of memory devices may be used to store or retrieve
information while performing some or all of the functions described
herein. In some embodiments, the memory/storage device may be a
separate device that is external to the processor, or may be
incorporated into a monolithic device, where the memory or storage
device is located on the same integrated circuit, such as
components connected on a single substrate. Cache memory devices
are often included in computers for use by a CPU or GPU as a
convenient storage location for information that is frequently
stored and retrieved.
[0068] Similarly, persistent memory may be used by a computer to
store information that is frequently retrieved by a CPU, but is not
often altered. Main memory may be used to store and retrieve larger
amounts of information such as data and software applications
configured to perform certain functions when executed by a CPU.
These memory devices may be configured as random access memory
(RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), flash memory, and other memory storage devices
accessible by a CPU to store and retrieve information. Embodiments
of the invention may be implemented using memory and storage
devices, as well as any suitable protocol for storing and
retrieving information in these memory devices.
[0069] Although the operations or steps of the methods 700, 800 are
shown and described in a particular order, the order may be altered
such that certain operations or steps are performed in an inverse
order and such that selected steps or operations are performed, at
least in part, concurrently with other steps or operations.
* * * * *